Saybrook University

May 04, 2024

2016-2017 Academic Catalog and Student Handbook with Spring Addendum [Archived Catalog]

Mind-Body Medicine, Healthcare Systems Specialization, Ph.D.

Changing the Future of Healthcare Systems

Healthcare delivery models are in need of transformation. CIMHS graduates are creating new organization in hospitals, clinics, and community-based programs. The Healthcare System Specialization in the CIMHS will connect students with leaders in the field who teach how to develop these innovative and necessary programs. This specialization is relevant for individuals currently working as a hospital administrator, health data analyst, or healthcare policy-maker, as well as other professional consulting positions. The curriculum integrates organizational consulting, leadership, grant writing, health informatics, and research methodology.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing the PhD Degree in Mind-Body Medicine will be able to:

1. Evaluate methodologies and/or conduct independent research to investigate contemporary issues in lifestyle and wellness.

2. Explain the influence of biopsychosocial factors on general health and wellbeing and the implications for individuals, organizations, and/or communities.

3. Interpret the values, ethical principles, and practice standards that are paramount for multidisciplinary practitioners and researchers.

4. Assess and synthesize evidence, theories, and informed practices/interventions in integrative medicine.

5. Apply published research and critical thinking skills in academic papers, presentations, and/or communications.

6. Develop reflective practices and/or model adaptive skills in integrative healthcare and wellness.

7. Demonstrate multicultural competencies and diversity awareness, and support health equity and social justice in healthcare systems.

Requirements

Students entering the Mind‐Body Medicine doctoral program must have completed a master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university prior to enrollment. Doctoral students must complete a minimum of 83 credits. Credits are earned by completing Mind-Body Medicine courses.

By approval, Saybrook may accept up to nine graduate transfer credits into the PhD degree in Mind-Body Medicine with the Healthcare Systems specialization from other regionally-accredited colleges and universities prior to entrance. Transfer credits are applied to the required number of elective credits or required courses for degree completion. Nine transfer credits may be accepted to fulfill three three-credit elective course requirement for the degree program.

These credits must be suitable for transfer to the intended degree as determined by the Dean and Registrar. For further details regarding transfer credit policies, consult the Institutional Transfer Credit Guidelines section of the University Catalog.

Students receiving a master’s degree in Mind-Body Medicine or the master’s degree in Integrative and Functional Nutrition from Saybrook who are admitted into the doctoral degree in Mind‐Body Medicine can generally transfer all MS degree credits that match either a required course or an elective into the PhD program. Past students have transferred up to 38 credits. The exact amount depends on which MS degree the student has completed, and which PhD specialization the student selects. These students must fulfill the doctoral degree requirements not completed at the master’s level, including the remaining required courses and the dissertation or project. Meeting the doctoral requirements will include completing additional credits of doctoral coursework plus the dissertation or project, for a minimum total of 83 credits. Under some circumstances, additional courses required may total more than 83 credits.

For further information on admission into the PhD Mind-Body Medicine program after completion of the M.S. Mind-Body Medicine degree or the Integrative and Functional Nutrition degree, contact the Saybrook Admissions Department. Some credits from a master’s degree earned in other programs at Saybrook may also be transferable into the doctoral degree program. Contact the Dean of CIMHS for additional information.

This program is not a clinical psychology program. However, it can offer those wishing to enhance and further develop their clinical knowledge and expertise, and who do not intend to use the degree to qualify for licensure, more flexibility in program planning than the Clinical Psychology Specialization program provides.

MBM 1009 - Information Competency & Research Skills 3 credit(s)
MBM 5500 - Ethics in Healthcare 3 credit(s)
MBM 5511 - Graduate Colloquium I 1 credit(s)
MBM 5512 - Graduate Colloquium II 1 credit(s)
MBM 5510 - Imagery for Health 3 credit(s)
MBM 5525 - Grant Writing 3 credit(s)
MBM 5533 - Health Informatics: The Science of Healthcare Information 3 credit(s)
MBM 5540 - Fundamentals of Research 3 credit(s)
ORG 7072 - Team Development and Collaborative Systems 3 credit(s)
MBM 5557 - Advanced Research Method 3 credit(s)
MBM 5564 - Integrative Healthcare as a Complex Adaptive System 3 credit(s)
ORG 7082 - Values Based Leadership 3 credit(s)
ORG 7080 - Consulting Skills 3 credit(s)
MBM 5584 - Doctoral Level Professional Seminar in Mind-Body Medicine 3 credit(s)
MBM 5586 - Ph.D. Practicum 3 credit(s)
MBM 5600 - Mind-Body Medicine: Overview
MBM 5615 - Movement, Exercise, and Health 3 credit(s)
MBM 5555 - Doctoral Research Pilot Study 3 credit(s)
MBM 5556 - Qualitative Research Overview 3 credit(s)
OR
MBM 5553 - Quantitative Research Overview 3 credit(s)
MBM 5620 - Basic Training and Education in Hypnosis 3 credit(s)
OR
MBM 5622 - Basic Training and Education in Biofeedback 3 credit(s)
MBM 5628 - Evidence-Based Coaching 3 credit(s)
MBM 5635 - Spirituality and Health 3 credit(s)
OR
MBM 5655 - Mindfulness and Meditation in Health 3 credit(s)
MBM 5690 - Complementary and Integrative Medicine
MBM 9501 - PhD Dissertation Proposal 3 credit(s) *
MBM 9601 - PhD Dissertation Research 3 credit(s) *
Elective Credits Included 12 credit(s)

Total Credits: (Years 1-4) 83

* (Note: Students will remain enrolled in this course each term during culminating phase until completion.)

Degree Requirements for 2016-2017 Academic Year approved by CIMHS Degree Program Committee.

NOTES:

The degree completion time for a student following the default course sequence will average between 5 ½ to 6 ½ years. Some students may complete degree requirements in fewer terms and some may require more terms to complete the degree.
A listing of acceptable CIMHS courses and electives is available in the University Catalog. Students may also choose an elective from the required courses in other specializations.
This is a structured cohort program and the sequence of courses is different for students who start in the fall than for students who start in the spring.

Learning and Career Outcomes

A PhD in Mind-Body Medicine with a specialization in Healthcare Systems prepares students for careers in the transformation of healthcare organization. It provides a comprehensive education in organizational systems, approaches to leadership, grant writing, health informatics, and consultation skills.

Whether you are a mid-career professional seeking to enhance your existing skills or an individual seeking to transition to a new career path, our programs provide a comprehensive overview of the holistic health field combined with core skills training. Graduates will be prepared for employment as organizational consultants and administrators in healthcare institutions and corporate health promotion programs.

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